It was revealed at Microsoft’s BUILD developers conference earlier this year that the traditional Start menu would be making a re-appearance at some point in the near feature, and although Microsoft stopped short of offering specific details, a new leak gives as an insight into what we can expect of this feature once reinstated.
Microsoft had big plans for Windows 8, which was built with the touch-based environment in mind, but while the tiled UI may work nicely on the likes of the Surface tablet, what the software maker did not properly consider was the fact that most of its user base remains on desktop. Thus, a backlash ensued, ranging from minor bemusement to all-out disdain for the changes Microsoft made, and since then, we’ve seen quite a bit of back-pedaling.
Windows 8.1 made a number of adjustments in favor of those running the OS from a more traditional rig, and Windows 8.1 Update 1, which was among the main topics at the aforementioned BUILD, included several tweaks designed to enhance the experience of keyboard-and-mouse users.
We’ve had quite a bit of insight as to the future of Windows, and although the software giant has a few noteworthy alterations in store, there’s no doubt that many are waiting on this Start menu to make its comeback. Many still stick faithfully to Windows 7, which is a much more practical option for non-touch devices and machines, and until this feature returns, there will remain a fair degree of skepticism about Windows 8.x from some quarters of the community.
This newly-leaked screenshot, which is noted as "Build 9788," indicates just how Microsoft plans to restore the Start menu, but as you’ll also have noticed, the design still considers the contemporary look and feel of today’s Windows. As such, you have the menu in the bottom left-hand corner as has been the case through various releases, but also, some tiles for features like Setting and Mail.
As the eagle-eyed among you might have spotted, the screen capture also says "Win 8.1 Pro" in the bottom corner, but apparently, this is just a reference point that Microsoft uses internally. Suffice to say, this is a legit leak of a future version of Windows, and although the ISO for Build 9788 hasn’t appeared via the usual channels as yet, this is likely to occur in the very near future.
What do you make of the Start menu?
(source: MyDigitalLife)
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